The aim was to evaluate self-esteem, anxiety, and physical activity patterns among healthy pregnant women during three gestational trimesters (GTs).
A longitudinal prospective study involving 248 Portuguese pregnant women, monitored for a year during all GTs, was conducted. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect personal and obstetric data, and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Zung Anxiety Scale, and a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire were applied.
A total of 152 women presented valid follow-up data considered for analysis. Concerning anxiety and self-esteemlevels, it was found that at baseline, women exhibited 43.9 (9.9) and 35.5 (5.5), respectively.
Regarding vigorous physical activity (PA), there was a difference among the three GTs (1stGT = 0.45 (±3.95) [95%CI: 0.83 to 2.08]; 2nd GT = 1.63 (±3.52) [95%CI: 1.07 to 2.19]; 3rd GT = 0.81 (±2.16) [95%CI: 0.46 to 1.15]; p = 0.0475), but no interaction between the GTs. Anxiety scores were not modified throughout the three GTs.
In comparison to the 1st GT, self-esteem was significantly reduced in the 2nd and 3rd GTs (1st GT = 43.94 (±9.94) [95%CI: 42.37 to 45.53]; 2nd GT = 27.27 (±9.64) [95%CI: 25.74 to 28.81]; 3rd GT = 25.71 (±10.52) [95%CI: 24.04 to 27.39]; p 0.0015). Similarly, light PA(2nd GT = 101.68 (48.77) [95%CI: 93.93 to 109.44]; 3rd GT = 98.42 (±49.05) [95%CI:90.62 to 106.22]; p 0.001) and moderate PA (2nd GT = 73.43 (±88.69) [95%CI: 59.34 to 87.54];3rd GT = 65.05 (±82.65) [95%CI: 51.92 to 78.19]; p = 0.008) PA levels experienced significant reductions throughout the 2nd and 3rd GTs (p 0.05). Regarding vigorous PA, there was a difference among the three GTs (p 0.05), but no interaction between the GTs. Anxiety scores were not modified throughout the three GTs. Only self-esteem, from the 1st to the 2nd GT, showed a large effect size (ES) of 1.7. This large ES means that the participants’ self-esteem was clinically impaired throughout the GT. The other variables (anxiety and physical activity levels) and GTs showed a small (−0.4 to 0.2) to null (0) ES, meaning that although some variables had statistical difference, the clinical effect was low.
In this follow-up study, it was possible to identify a critical point in the 2nd GT, when the drastic reduction in physical activity levels coincided with periods of lower self-esteem scores. However, anxiety levels do not seem to change over GTs.
This study is important for the clinical practice of physiotherapists who work in the area of women's health. Physical activity is a protective health factor not only during pregnancy but has an intergenerational impact. The identification of critical periods during pregnancy for reducing activity levels leads the therapist to be more attentive and seek intervention strategies adjusted to the women's needs. Furthermore, it is important to raise awareness of the impact of psychological factors during this stage of life. This study contributing to the foundation of health-promoting policies
Women Health
Physical activity
